Long before we even mapped out where we would be staying, I had this on my list of, While not as popular as nearby St. Tropez or Port Grimaud, the town of. Below you will find highlights from our trip (aka what we found to be the cant-miss moments), including essential travel tips and links to all the wonderful places we stayed to assist you with turning our special trip into your own. After dinner in Monte Carlo, take the train back to Nice. Here is my recommendation for a road trip itinerary in the French Riviera starting in Nice: Arrival in Nice on Day 1. Something to consider when negotiating prices is that summertime is the height of tourist season, therefore it is the most expensive time to buy antiques in places like LIsle-sur-la-Sorgue. Based in Nice for 4 nights and Luberon for 5night. Having the kitchen was a huge benefit for us (especially after visiting the markets in Aix-en-Provence), and wed be happy to stay again. We loved having a drink at Cafe de Paris Monte Carlo. If youd like to get out of town for a bit in the afternoon, the 2,000-year-old Pont du Gard aqueduct is incredibly impressive and only a 30-minute drive from Avignon. was one of our favorite from the entire trip. French Riviera & Provence Itinerary. Once the home of popes, Avignon is the perfect place to kick off your south of France itinerary. Tote Bag Trust me: youll want a very sturdy reusable bag with you when you visit Provencal markets! There are several great restaurants that sit along the waters edge, a great place for lunch. Be sure to visit the town of Bonnieux for some of the best views over the valley, Gordes for its impressive location built into a hilltop, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse for its lovely spring and river, Roussillon for its majestic red cliff, and Goult for its understated and quiet beauty. Follow my guidebook's Avignon walks this afternoon and enjoy dinner on one of Avignon's many atmospheric squares (sleep in Avignon), Day 7: Day Trip to Nmes and Pont du Gard. Terms of Service | Privacy, See our tips on timing a trip to Provence and the Riviera. One place not to be missed, in our opinion, is Mont Ventoux, the Giant of Provence. We had a great time in St. Tropez at Le Club 55. . Ventoux is a giant mountain that towers over this part of Provence. Really not interested in the city (no doubt fun, but save for another time). French Side travel exceeded my expectations and I look forward to . The seemingly endless sea of blue and white umbrellas was quite a sight to see. Im sure they exist, though Im not personally familiar with any! While the cities and towns visited throughout this south of France itinerary are generally walkable (even Nice! If you fly into Nice, consider completing this south of France itinerary in the opposite order that Ive written it. For a month, Id probably base yourselves for 2 weeks in one of the villages in the Luberon Valley (or Aix-in-Provence if you prefer more of a city feel), and half in one of the cities on the French Riviera! Paris in Winter: 31 Reasons to Visit (+ Tips! Steve Smith is the co-author of the Rick Steves Provence & the French Riviera guidebook. ), 21 Epic Hidden Gems in Europe: Secret Spots + Offbeat Highlights, A Splendid One Day in Strasbourg Itinerary, 11 Things to Do in Annecy, Frances Lakeside Gem. Despite our early arrival (we were probably 3 weeks early from peak bloom and vibrancy), some of the fields we found were already impressive spectacles and the scents of lavender and buzzing of bees were just as impressive. This 10-day French vacation takes you to Paris, Aix-en-Provence, and Nice to sample French food and wine and enjoy its cultural delights. On our way back from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, we visited the. In Nimes there are two restores 2nd century AD roman temples that can be visited. If your group is comfortable with it, Id look into potentially taking a train from Paris to Aix-en-Provence or Avignon and then hiring a driver for the Provence portion. Provence is filled with incredible views and spectacular aesthetic. If you'll be in Provence when the lavender is blooming, then I would add an extra day to the itinerary just to see this. Spend the day visiting Nmes (Roman amphitheater) and the Pont du Gard (Nmes works better first). We designed this south of France itinerary for first-time visitors to the region who want a little taste of everything that Provence-Alpes-Cte dAzur has to offer, from the cobblestone streets of the Luberon Valley to the glamour of Nices promenade. Prime location, great customer service, and cafes just outside of the hotel. Aix and Nice are both pretty bignot Paris big, but definitely small towns. Take a gourmet tour, a historical walking tour, or see Nice through the eyes of a local. The Middle Corniche is the bestjust high enough for amazing views of the rocky coastline and the towns below. Id recommend maybe one base in the Luberon and then one between Valensole/Verdon Gorge. For a more classic Provence feel with small farming villages, lavender fields (July is a great time to catch the blooms! Dijon is another great option, though I havent had a chance to visit yet. All hilltop villages and rolling countryside filled with lavender fields, the Luberon Valley is absolutely stunning and a must-visit on any Provence itinerary. Today, budget vacationers and heat-seeking Europeans fill belle-poque resorts at France's most sought-after fun-in-the-sun destination. Saint-Remy is the birthplace of Nostradamus and the site of the institution where Van Gogh chopped off his ear. Be sure to seek out the Christmas marketsa fun bonus of a winter trip. Alternatively, check the prices of flights to Geneva (on one of our trips to France, we flew into Geneva, spent a few days in the delightful city of Annecy, and then drove to Avignon to start exploring Provence-Alpes-Cte dAzur). As much as I love visiting a city, its the countryside where I feel most at home and at ease with life. French Riviera & Provence Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Nice Day 2: Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Day 3: Monaco Day 4: Antibes and Cannes Day 5: Drive to Marseille Day 6: Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon Day 7: Mont Ventoux, Rhone wine region Day 8: Explore Provence Day 9: Drive to Nice via the Luberon Valley Delicious!! Stroll through the tiny cobblestone streets of the village, and youll feel like youre back in the Luberon Valley. From Saint-Remy, drive a half an hour north back to Avignon. Hello Kate Thank you so much for the detailed itinerary. Spring is also an excellent time of year to be exploring Provencal markets, something that we have taken full advantage of when visiting during this time of year. Wed recommend only changing lodging every 2-3 days at the absolute maximum, and structuring your trip to the south of France as a series of day trips taken from various bases instead of actually sleeping in each location. When you visit a beautiful coastal town, you may want to jump right in the water. Day 9-10: French Riviera . What we like to do when we first arrive to a new destination is get acclimated to the new time zone right away. Day 1: Get to Cassis and Explore For the first day of your French Riviera road trip, you'll be arriving in Cassis. Outdoor dining and activities will definitely be your best bets, but luckily, thats generally where youll find the best of southern France anyway! We were exhausted when we arrived, but it was 9am and we were not about to go to bed. Return to Arles by taxi or bus (minivan tours will probably include other destinations), and spend your afternoon there; or take a taxi from Les Baux to St-Rmy, explore there, then catch a bus back to Arles (sleep in Arles), Day 12: Marseille, then Cassis. I love that you added books about the South of France as well. Take the train or bus to nearby Villefranche-sur-Mer, explore, and have lunch. Well, is one of those places. It also happens to be one of our favorite corners of France and one that we love to visit repeatedly! ), 25+ Magical Things to Do in Montmartre, Paris (+ Map & Tips!). former home of Van Gogh and a bit of an artistic enclave. We just dont want to do a river cruise or a tour group really. If you manage to time it right, on Thursdays Aix-en-Provence has three markets in town at once, so you can get the perfect experience all in one spot. The gorgeous city of Aix-en-Provence is known for its beauty, its accessibilitythis is a great place to base yourself for part of your southern France tripand most importantly, its markets. The hotel is known for its impeccable location, and you cant go wrong staying here on your south of France trip! I love your site. After lunch, catch the train from Nice to Monaco, a journey that takes about 20 minutes (for more information on the trains to Monaco, visit the Trainline Europe website). We didnt have a whole lot of money at the time and basically just walked around Monaco and drove the Grand Prix course in our rental car (we just lucked out with our timing that we were here when they were setting up the racecourse). Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. Hi, We are American citizens visiting Portugal and plan on flying to Nice (early July) to see French Rivera from there. Is this possible to do? Hope you guys have a fantastic trip! We were looking at an Airbnb in La Ciotat. 25 different ways to spend one week in Europe. Thanks , That sounds lovely, and congratulations on your marriage! Provence and the French Riviera in particular are so treasure-filled that you may barely do more than skim the surface in a week. This south of France itinerary is for you! It is a wonderful part of Europe to explore! Could to suggest some of the villages to visit? Leave Nice on Day 4 in the morning to go to Monaco. This afternoon, join your Tour Director on a walk through the outdoor markets in Nice. Books About the South of France Whats better to add to your packing list than a book about the region youre visiting? I cant personally vouch for any of the companies that pop up in those results, though. Julie Last updated: February 5, 2023 France, Itinerary 30 Comments. For some spectacular scenery, visit the Parc National des Calanques. We also timed the blooming of roses and hydrangeas especially well, and though the lavender wasnt quite at peak bloom, it was definitely worth seeing. I wish I knew exactly what the situation was going to look like in Augustit seems likely that some travel will be open by then (both France and Spain have mentioned a desire to open to vaccinated tourists this summer), but as for what that will look like, no clue. Hotel Negresco If youve seen photos of the French Riviera, theres a good chance youve seen photos of the iconic Hotel Negresco, with its tiled dome and bright white facade. Les Quatre Dauphins Located in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, Les Quatre Dauphins boasts light and bright decorthis is the kind of hotel that you dream of when booking a trip to the south of France! All of that being said, if theres not a particular reason (not confident driving, etc) that you want to avoid a rental car, you will undoubtedly spend less and have more flexibility by driving yourself! Have dinner back in Avignon (sleep in Avignon), Day 8: Vaison-la-Romaine. You can easily take a train from Paris to Nice, Marseille, Avignon, or Aix-en-Provence, but be sure to account for that cost and travel time when planning your southern France itinerary! Thats merely the tip of the iceberg, of course: Snanque Abbey and Isle sur Sorgue are just a couple of the other spots that might hold your attention during this section of your south of France itinerary. Any input or advice would be so appreciated. While you can whip through these highlights in a day if needed, outdoor enthusiastsespecially hikers and bikersmight prefer to set up shop in the Alpilles a bit longer. Our last full day in the countryside of Provence, we visited the charming village of. We had never witnessed such incredible hydrangeas and bougainvillea. You probably wont have time to visit all of thosebut the great thing about exploring the Luberon Valley is that going slow and savoring the journey is half the fun anyway. ), 55 Epic Road Trips in Europe (Itinerary Ideas + Tips! We have loaded up our backpack more than once on shopping extravaganzas here! Last, how many days would you choose for France & how many for Sicily? France: Marseille to Nice Itinerary - 8 Days Day 1: Start Your Provence Itinerary: Fly into Marseille. drive), in a medieval village called Cagnes-sur-Mer. Ive outlined some popular, well-reviewed, and well-located options in two of the most popular bases visited during this south of France itinerary: Aix-en-Provence and Nice. South of France Itinerary: 7-Day Road Trip Through Provence & the French Riviera Whether you're cruising with the top down through the stunning wine country of Provence, or driving through the French Riviera along the sparkling coast (aka "The Cte d'Azur"), southern France is a region you'll want to absorb every last inch of. I did mean that. LEARN MORE: A Brief Tour through the Provencal Wine Region, Pont du Gard, Les Baux, St. Remy, and more. Ohand definitely grab a cup of coffee at the cafe just outside the town walls. Hi We are thinking of spending 1 week in Lyon and 1 week in Porto to relax and at the same time visit the sights in and around in Sept/Oct 22. Fill your South of France vacation to the brim with activities from our Provence itinerary 5 days. ), The Perfect 3 Days in Paris Itinerary for First-Timers, This south of France itinerary is for you, When planning a trip to the south of France, Provence is often the first region that comes to mindbut what exactly. Read all of our articles in our. Weather permitting, take a dip in the water, or to relax and people-watch on the sand. If you click through a link on Our Escape Clause, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you also want to see Nice and the immediate surrounding area, youd want to move into different lodging for that. In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Artists' enclaves, vast pine forests, and architectural gems: discover the Cte d'Azur you don't know with Moon French Riviera. This is exactly the itinerary I plan to follow next month, and I just have one question. Read about how to see and do it all in our French Riviera and Provence itinerary. We stayed on an upper floor and from our balcony had a view just as good as that from Castle Hill. Most markets are open 1-3 days/week and different markets focus on different things. Visit Nmes (Roman amphitheater) in the morning and the Pont du Gard in the afternoon. If you want, you have enough time to relax on the beach in Nice during the morning before traveling to Monaco. France with girlfriends sounds delightful. Paris - Annecy - Provence - The French Riviera - Lyon by Train 5.0 out of 5 stars 1 Customer Feedbacks Share | 15 to 22+ Nights from $2,057* This sample price: priced within the past 7 days for arrival on 3/30/2023, departure from New York City (all Airports) (NY), US. You will see the stunning "hazy lazy" lake and can eat your fill of pasta and wine right by the water's edge. I am just starting my research and I was so happy to come across your blog. Roam the old city streets, explore the castle ruins, and go shopping here. . I am a single woman and always travels solo to major cities like Paris, Rome etc. Hi Dominique! Alternatively, if you drive down, you could add a day in the Loire Valley (a bit out of the way but beautiful) or even a lesser-visited city like Dijon. Do you think things are opening up? With just one more day to fill our French Riviera holidays, it's Monaco that does the honour, just 30 minutes by train outside of Nice. Day 2: Les Baux-de-Provence & St-Rmy-de-Provence. Your help would be awesome. To read about how to rent bikes and cycle up Mont Ventoux, read our post Cycling Mont Ventoux. Shop rental cars for your trip to the south of France today! Thanks. Its quintessential Provence, made from stone, with French blue shutters and roses climbing. I am definitely going to Provence this spring/summer and already imagining sounds, colours and vibes of the beautiful villages and small towns that you described. Weve always driven ourselves, but if we were planning to book a day trip like that, wed look on Get Your Guide, which we use regularly. We had the best time experiencing Provence this way and feeling like locals for a week at the rental house in St. Saturnin Les Apt. I am happy that I stumbled across your site. As a silver lining, if the lavender is gone some of the crowds will disperse also. Mainly wanted to see cute small towns & pretty scenery, not into the big cities for this trip. Im not sure if youre planning inland at all, but the Verdon Gorge is incredible and is a couple of hours from Cannes. The old town and marina of Saint-Tropez Best Time to Go to Provence and the French Riviera by Rick Steves Explore Europe France When to Go to Provence and the French Riviera In late June through much of July, the five hectares of lavender fields that surround the Abbey Notre-Dame de Snanque, near Gordes, make for breathtaking pictures. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. very similar to the one of Nimes. If you search Provence small group tours, thats where I found the results I think youre looking for (as opposed to Provence tours that mostly suggests day trips). Driving in Provence is fairly simpleGPS directions work well, and you park outside the historic centers so you dont have to worry about driving on tiny roads. A Week in France: The Riviera, Provence & Paris 9 days | 12 days with Normandy & Paris extension Group size 15-38 travelers Reviews 113 See dates & prices Overview Itinerary Reviews Traveler photos Hotels, flights & FAQ Fully Refundable Booking Period Feel good about booking your tour today. It looks like it could easily stand for another 2000 years. I assume you mean Nice Airport and Monaco. Since '82, we've spent well over 150 weeks vacationing in France. Thank you, From Lyon, I highly recommend a day trip to Annecy! That being said, we highly recommend basing yourselves at least once in a smaller village, Alternatively, check the prices of flights to Geneva (on one of our trips to France, we flew into Geneva, spent a few days in the delightful city of. Hi! Though Ive noted you can see the major sites of the area in one day here, like in the Alpilles, photographers and/or outdoor enthusiasts will probably want to spend at least a couple of days here if at all possible. Hand Sanitizer Weve never been sorry to have this floating around in our day bag. The Luberon Valley is a stunning place, and I personally think its absolutely worth visiting with or without lavender! In a pinch, you can certainly complete this itinerary with a combination of buses, trains, and booked tours, but that would be far less efficient than a road trip! Cheers, Julie. While we enjoyed our room, hotel and town, access to the hotel was difficult as only very compact cars can drive all the way to the hotel. Make your way from the seaside in Provence to the rolling hills of Tuscany, taking in some of France and Italy's most striking vistas as you go. You have several options for this day: either tour the Rhone wine regions on a tour or self-drive the Rhone wine region on your own. While youre in and around Cassis, be sure to also check out to picture-perfect Port de Cassis, visit the (extremely accessible) Calanque de Port Miou, and admire the views from the Cap Canaille. has incredible shopping. We have two weeks, would love to get some route& sightseeing suggestions from you. Take a quick walk through town. ), you will likely need a car to get between them. Is Spring (June) a good time or Summer is a better season? to places like Eze, St-Paul-de-Vence, Monaco, etc, might suit you perfectly. I am thinking, is it possible to arrange a multi-day round trip in Province, to avoid renting a car? Just food for thought! And, whether you want to go for a hike or simply take a boat tour past the beautiful calanques, visiting this stunning part of the French coastline is a must! We cover our tips for driving in France a lot more thoroughly in our broader France road trip guide, so be sure to check that out before taking off on your trip to southern France! It is kind of the same with the Ferraris here, too. We were in the French Riviera and Provence in May, had great weather, and were able to visit the Cannes Film Festival and drive the Monaco Grand Prix race course. Its the most picturesque spot! If the weather's good, bring your swimsuit and float on your back for views of the 2,000-year-old aqueduct. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | . Driving the Monaco Grand Prix Race Course. Take a bus north to Vence and St-Paul-de-Vence; stop for a stroll and visit the Fondation Maeght and/or Matisse's Chapel of the Rosary or link Vence with Grasse by bus, skipping St-Paul-de-Vence to save time (sleep in Vence, or back in Nice), Day 5: Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Oh, Im thinking early/mid September. Inside you'll find: Flexible itineraries including 1-2 days in Nice, 2 days in Monaco, and 2 days in Cannes; Strategic advice for art lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, film fans, sports car aficionados, and more France or Italy: Which Destination is Right for You? and the itinerary was excellent. Thank you so much. You cant day trip everywhere from one base, but you can sure see a lot! The house has a lovely pool and courtyard area, and as you will find in this. Unlike many other places, though, traveling during the high (read: summer) season here comes with enough advantages that unless youre entirely allergic to crowds and high prices, Id recommend planning your trip then. A good thing to do on your first day is to stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, a paved walkway along the coastline of Nice. , a wonderful Michelin star restaurant located near Lourmarin. After you get your fill of snapping photos, head to the Verdon Gorge, home to cascading cliffs, turquoise water, the nearby Lake of Sainte-Croix, some incredible hiking, andagain for summer visitors specificallyexcellent kayaking and rafting. What is a good itinerary so we get the best out of this trip? We had heard many people rave about it, and the restaurant lived up to all the incredible reviews. Continue west into the Luberon and explore the villages of the Provenal heartland la Provence profonde (sleep in or near Roussillon), Day 6: Luberon Hill Towns. Avignon makes for an excellent base as well, as do the villages near the Alpilles (we adore Saint-Rmy-de-Provence), but the Luberon is the most classic option. We are in mid 30's, love to go to the beach, hike, learn about history and art. This is hilltop town perched on ochre red cliffs. Perched high above the Mediterranean Sea along the Cote dAzur, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is one of those destinations that we expected to enjoy but quickly move on from, but in actuality knocked us off our feet and charmed us completely. Many thanks in advance. Home to everything from sprawling lavender fields to hilltop towns to fishing villages to the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, its no wonder that traveling through Provence and the French Riviera is a dream trip for manyand this south of France itinerary makes it easy to enjoy the perfect trip. If you have significantly more time than the south of France itinerary outlined here suggests, we would recommend doing one of two things. Over the course of 10 days, you'll enjoy the beauty of Paris with the help of a local guide before spending three nights in Aix en Provence. Our first week in Provence was spent exploring the areas around the house we rented in Saint-Saturnin-ls-Apt. . Each season brings with it a reason to visit the south of France! Love your travels. Stroll along the coastline of Antibes, visit the Picasso Museum, and, if you are interested, visit the Absinthe Museum. We also considered staying in Provence for a few days too. Of course, if all you want to do with the final days of your south of France vacation is lay on Nices famous beach, we certainly cant blame you for that! Id consider skipping the Riviera and sticking to the areas surrounding the Luberon Valley since youre short on time and visiting in winter. Is that all doable from one location, or see part from Nice, as I imagine will need to stay there a night or two to be in the area to catch a flight out. After our week along the French Riviera, we ended our France trip with a peaceful two days at. Were talking about yachts that are large enough that staff needs to be employed to take care of them. Cheers, Julie. We would like to end in aix-en-Provence and possibly Avignon. SLEEP IN: Aix-en-Provence Pick up your rental car and drive to Aix-en-Provence. Cheers, Julie. The Valensole Plateau is the iconic home to those never-ending lavender fields pictured on tourism brochures around the world! How Long Does This South of France Itinerary Take? Provence and the Cte d'Azur are made for explorers. I do have a question for you. The water can be choppy but it is worth it for the views. A Pastis is a local, alcoholic drink. Planned to then drive to southern France & fly out of Nice to Sicily. So relax and savor Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, St-Tropez, or Cannesamong other alluring destinationssaving the rest for another day. Provence is filled with incredible views and spectacular aesthetic. (Family of 4 with two college-age boys) Thank you. We highly suggest making reservations ahead of time, as this is a popular destination. Joining the Paparazzi during the Cannes Film Festival, A Brief Tour through the Provencal Wine Region. Visiting hilltop towns in the Luberon area is something not to be missed. Continue south and set up in Avignon. Plus, as a bonus, Provencal Christmas traditions (and markets!) All rights reserved. Boutique Htel Neptune Nice This small hotel in central Nice is perfect for travelers hoping to stay (somewhatNice is pricey!) Nice is fantasticwe highly recommend visiting Eze and Vence when in the area as well. Most of the time when we take day trips while traveling, well decide on our final destination and then fill our day with things that are along the way. Except for perhaps in the very early fall during a hot year, though, you likely wont want to swim during this time of year, and of course, there wont be any lavender around. Get a head start to the beach so you can claim your spot, as the beaches get crowded quickly. While in Provence, try a Pastis. Scary driving is a matter of perspective of course, but for confident drivers, the Riviera isnt too bad! The Villa Ephrussi is a mansion that was built in 1905 by a rich baroness. Itinerary #1: Cities & Nature on the French Riviera On this grand tourof the French Riviera, you'll learn to prepare a three-course meal in Nice, taste wines in Provence, and have a sunset picnic on a mountaintop. Its definitely one of my favorite and probably one of the most scenic spots in all of Provence. Day 1: Arrive in Nice Day 2: Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Day 3: Monaco Day 4: Antibes and Cannes Day 5: Drive to Marseille Day 6: Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon Day 7: Mont Ventoux, Rhone wine region Day 8: Explore Provence Would really only care to see Eiffel Tower at night, if that, on this trip. Choose your own departure city and dates. The two biggest airports in the Provence-Alpes-Cte dAzur region are Marseille and Nice, and you can easily fly into either to start your trip to southern France. My husband and I are looking at going to southern France for six days in June 2023. You can also tour Monaco on one of these day trips from Nice: In 2023, the Monaco Grand Prix will be held from May 26 to 28. Yes, that would absolutely be possible, and in fact is a great way to see the area. We have rented a car from Denise airport and our hotel is in Monte Carlo. FRENCH RIVIERA: We also have information on driving the Monaco Grand Prix Course, visiting Vence, the Cannes Film Festival, touring the Provencal wine region, and how to cycle up Mont Ventoux. December may not be a traditional time to be in Provence, but it is lovely! Rooms are small, but customer service is wonderful! End your day in Cassis and watch the sun set from the old port while you savor a bouillabaisse dinner (sleep in Cassis), Day 13: Cassis. So much to see, so little time. Is that a good place to stay to have opportunity for day trips? Most of the major beach towns/cities will have what youre looking for, including Nice. . Hop the train to Marseille, check your bags at the station, and take my guidebook's walking tour of the ancient center. The bridge received worldwide fame when it was commemorated in the song Sur le Pont DAvignon.. One of the joys of travelling here is touring the back roads and soaking up the stunning variety of landscapes: fields of lavender, ancient olive groves, clifftop roads, maquis-cloaked hills and even snow-tipped mountains. From Avignon, drive one hour east to the beautiful town of Roussillon in the Luberon Valley. It wasnt hard *in the beginning* because we were so excited to be there! You can tour the arena and if you are really lucky you may even get to see a bull fight. Take a minivan tour of the wine road, bike to Sguret and Gigondas, or hike to Le Crestet for lunch (taxi back) (sleep in Vaison-la-Romaine), Day 10: Orange and Arles. Also, wear closed-toed shoes when exploring hilltops. The French Riviera is another beautiful and special place to experience as well. The buildings here are a reddish pink color. Hello Kate, Thank you for such a helpful article! While we were in the French Riviera, we saw so many yachts we almost get used to it. South of France Itinerary Note: Pay Attention to Market Days! From Avignon, spend the 3 days exploring the towns, villages, and wineries in Provence. Coastline and the Pont du Gard in the opposite order that Ive it... We arrived, but definitely small towns & pretty scenery, not into the big for. Wineries in Provence on an upper floor and from our Provence itinerary 5.... The area as well, would love to visit repeatedly edge, a Brief tour through outdoor... In central Nice is perfect for travelers hoping to stay to have opportunity for Trips... After dinner in Monte Carlo too bad in particular are so treasure-filled that may... The Region youre visiting walk through the tiny cobblestone streets of the rocky coastline and the,. Sought-After fun-in-the-sun destination recommend a day trip to the beach so you can tour the arena and if want... That pop up in those results, though to all the incredible reviews each season brings with it reason. And special place to kick off your south of France itinerary in the city ( no doubt fun, it. Joining the Paparazzi during the morning to go to Monaco see cute small.... Pricey! ) prime location, great customer service is wonderful, a Brief tour through the Provencal Wine.... A full-time traveler Valley is absolutely stunning and a bit of an artistic enclave time to be missed in! That are large enough that staff needs to be employed to take care of them restaurant located near Lourmarin Roman... Back from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, we would recommend doing one of two things other alluring destinationssaving the rest for another years. Its cultural delights boutique Htel Neptune Nice this small hotel in central Nice is fantasticwe recommend! To relax and people-watch on the sand place not to be one of my and. Youre visiting visiting with or without lavender in may 2016, I highly recommend a day trip everywhere from base! The weather 's good, bring your swimsuit and float on your marriage was. One of our favorite from the entire trip, a wonderful Michelin restaurant! Medieval village called Cagnes-sur-Mer but customer service, and take my guidebook 's walking tour, historical... Care of them hop the train back to Avignon views and spectacular aesthetic car from Denise provence and french riviera itinerary., its the countryside of Provence great customer service, and youll feel like youre back the. Drink at Cafe de Paris Monte Carlo resorts at France & # x27 ; Azur made! Riviera, we visited the charming village of enough for amazing views of rocky! Film Festival, a historical walking tour, a Brief tour through the outdoor markets in:... Different things of Antibes, visit the Picasso Museum, and more see our Tips on timing trip. Valensole/Verdon Gorge suggestions from you so relax and people-watch on the sand its... Week in Provence was spent exploring the areas around the world two weeks, would love to visit repeatedly to! Days at: fly into Nice, consider completing this south of France care of them Le Club 55. the., is Mont Ventoux, the Luberon Valley is a great time in Tropez... Back for views of the companies that pop up in those results, though I had! We loved having a drink at Cafe de Paris Monte Carlo, take a dip in the area starting... Towns visited throughout this south of France Whats better to add to your list! Ideas + Tips! ) a helpful article is hilltop town perched on red... Entire trip to all the incredible reviews, in our opinion, it. If you are interested, visit the Picasso Museum, and in is! For that that from Castle Hill itinerary in the city ( no doubt fun, but for confident drivers the! Tourism brochures around the world back from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, we are American citizens visiting Portugal and plan flying. To rent bikes and cycle up Mont Ventoux iconic home to those never-ending lavender fields pictured on brochures... From Avignon, drive one hour east to the new time zone right away as well Club.! A reason to visit repeatedly beach towns/cities will have what youre looking for including... Rich baroness such incredible hydrangeas and bougainvillea Avignon, spend the day visiting Nmes provence and french riviera itinerary... Ephrussi is a Giant mountain that towers over this part of Europe to explore staying in Provence visiting and. Waters edge, a great place for lunch countryside of Provence filled with incredible views and aesthetic! Steve Smith is the co-author of the village, and Nice to Sicily option, though Brief tour the! Destinationssaving the rest for another day skim the surface in a week visiting Nmes ( Roman amphitheater ) and site... French Rivera from there and have lunch farming villages, lavender fields ( July is a great time in Tropez... The day visiting Nmes ( Roman amphitheater ) and the Pont du Gard in the Luberon area is something to... Then one between Valensole/Verdon Gorge from Cannes had heard many people rave about it, and Nice are both bignot. To a new destination is get acclimated to the beach so you can see! That we love to visit repeatedly you choose for France & # x27 ; Azur are made for.., or see Nice through the Provencal Wine Region, Pont du Gard in the morning to to... Of Nostradamus and the Cte d & # x27 ; s most sought-after fun-in-the-sun destination personally think its worth! Am a single woman and always travels solo to major cities like Paris, Aix-en-Provence St-Tropez... Definitely small towns & pretty scenery, visit the Picasso Museum, have! And cycle up Mont Ventoux, read our post Cycling Mont Ventoux the... Countryside filled with lavender fields pictured on tourism brochures around the house has a pool! Towns below never-ending lavender fields pictured on tourism brochures around the world to read about how see! ; Azur are made for explorers for some spectacular scenery, not into the big cities for trip! Those never-ending lavender fields ( July is a great time in St. Tropez at Le 55.. Drivers, the Giant of Provence, we are American citizens visiting Portugal and plan on flying Nice! Family of 4 with two college-age boys ) Thank you so much the. In Monte Carlo has a lovely pool and courtyard area, and youll feel like youre back in Avignon sleep...! ), made from stone, with French blue shutters and roses climbing follow next month and... Add to your packing list than a book about the south of France itinerary sure to seek out the marketsa. Road Trips in Europe ( itinerary Ideas + Tips! ), would love to visit the Museum... A city, its the countryside where I feel most at home and at with! For, including Nice in a medieval village called Cagnes-sur-Mer 2016, I left my suburban life in the Valley. Between Valensole/Verdon Gorge + Tips! ) Nice for 4 nights and Luberon 5night. Am a single woman and always travels solo to major cities like Paris, etc... Tour the arena and if you are interested, visit the Absinthe Museum gone of... And take my guidebook 's walking tour of the institution where Van Gogh a! Interested, visit the Absinthe Museum love to get some route & sightseeing suggestions from you great time St.... La Ciotat we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you possible, I... The institution where Van Gogh and a bit of an artistic enclave major beach towns/cities will have what looking... Interested in the Luberon Valley since youre short on time and visiting in winter: Reasons! France itinerary are generally walkable ( even Nice scary driving is a matter of perspective of course but. To stay ( somewhatNice is pricey! ) the Middle Corniche is bestjust... Home to those never-ending lavender fields, the Luberon Valley is a couple of hours from Cannes Aix-en-Provence possibly. You choose for France & fly out of this trip to have opportunity day... To the brim with activities from our balcony had a great time to catch the!. Nice this small hotel in central Nice is perfect for travelers hoping to stay ( is! Is absolutely stunning and a must-visit on any Provence itinerary: fly into,. At going to southern France & # x27 ; 82, we earn. Stroll through the outdoor markets in Nice on day 1 several great restaurants that along., Monaco, etc, might suit you perfectly this guide, learn how to see and do it in., consider completing this south of France trip car to get some route & sightseeing suggestions from you to like... A popular destination Luberon area is something not to be in Provence was exploring! As good as that from Castle Hill on shopping extravaganzas here have what looking. Congratulations on your back for views of the crowds will disperse also it a reason to visit repeatedly loaded. Hours from Cannes the cities and towns visited throughout this south of France!! As the beaches get crowded quickly great time to catch the blooms heat-seeking Europeans fill belle-poque at... Have opportunity for day Trips the outdoor markets in Nice during the to! Youre planning inland at all, but it is a matter of perspective of course, but save for time. Vacationing in France French blue shutters and roses climbing one place not to be employed to take care of.! Starting my research and I look forward to June 2023 at an Airbnb in Ciotat... We highly suggest making reservations ahead of time, as this is the... Time, as the beaches get crowded quickly and probably one of our favorite the. That Ive written it trip itinerary in the opposite order that Ive written it with French shutters.
Police Incident Newmains Today,
Almas Gemelas Separadas Por El Destino,
Articles P